The tail wagging the dog

    

     Over the years as our family grew, so too, did the variety of animals that became an important part of our household.

     We had a plethora of pets ranging from Hokey and Pokey, the racing turtles;

the albino hamster with its soft, white fur and pink eyes; the noisy, but somehow loveable guinea pig, named Ginny; the gerbils that reminded Nels of tiny rats (though he finally grew to appreciate them); the cute bunny that came one Easter, grew up and took over our back lawn;

to the colourful, exotic fish that inhabited the large aquarium. 
     Our first family pet, for our daughter Karen, was a cute baby kitten. It seemed to mature overnight, presenting us with a large litter of round, balls of fluff. 
     Then, there was always a loving dog added to the mix. Like the time, one of the children brought home an adorable puppy from the neighbour's new litter, saying,"... only to show you Mom, we don't have to keep it." Of course, it was "love at first sight", and a quick vote left Mom out-numbered. We dubbed him, Bo-Bo, which we soon learned was very much a "she". 
     

     Our new family member, (a  Black Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd cross), grew way too quickly and soon, literally, before my eyes, we had a pregnant mother to deal with! We had already acquired a Shetland Collie from friends moving to the States, who convinced us our large back yard was adequate for two dogs. 


     Little did we know then, that nine dogs would be sharing the space. 
     Excitement ran high as we watched the miracle of the birth of Bo-Bo's seven adorable puppies. The family each began labeling one after the other with a unique name, such as Freeway, Velvet, Shy Guy, The Flying Nun (because of its flapping ears and the then current show, The Flying Nun), etc... etc. 
     A new home was found for each of them as they became ready to adopt. Yet another pair of little arms carried away their precious puppy to add to the joys of another family. 
     I believe God created these interesting animals, simply for our enjoyment. They are great as companions, and are sometimes now used in therapy — bringing comfort and healing. 

     In retirement and advancing years, my family has suggested that adopting a pet would bring me companionship. 

     Somehow, I seem to always answer, "I'm quite happy with the occasional warm wags and licks I get from Hailey, the friendly Labrador, or Carlos, the loveable Shih Tzu, and even Ava, the awesome, Siberian Forest Cat." — these are now my animal family members. 

     I savour a few delightful moments, then release them to the safe care of their owners. I relate to my mother's comment following a visit from her grandchildren,"I'm twice glad. Glad to see them come, and glad to see them go." 

     Can you blame her? After all, She had been there and done that, just like me.
     I like the following quotes:  

"The reason dogs have so many friends is because they wag their tails and not their tongues." — Anonymous                                                            

"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you."
— Mary Bly

— beulah